I am Walter and this is my World.

I am Walter and this is my World.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Break downs, tow trucks and a lost shoe.


Oy. We aren't at our destination yet - we're still hotel-bound. The Gods are hurling every obstacle they can think of at us! First of all, this massive mega storm, which has meteorologists baffled because of it's endurance and erratic movements can be explained by the fact that IT IS FOLLOWING US. First an "ice pellet" storm in Kentucky then sleet and snow in Tennessee and finally, when we made it over to the Georgia border rain, rain, rain.

Then we broke down.

Yup. it happened right at the Florida border. we were so close! Just driving along when I heard a "pop" and all the warning lights in my car came on. I slowed way down, got on the shoulder and eeked off to the first exit/gas station I could find.

Luckily I have AAA (Take anything, but not my AAA membership!) and a tow truck came and got us pretty quick. I had to take everything I needed out of the car, so there's me shoving walter's stroller, bags, supplies etc... into the cab of the tow truck. Walter thought the whole thing was fantastic. barked his head off the whole time and earned the name "tuff lil buddy" from our tow guy.

This was all saturday around 5 pm, and I learned that all the mechanics in this tiny town were closed, and would be closed all day sunday. So we went to a hotel down the street from the shop and that's where we've been cooling our heels for the past two days. Of course, since I used all available cab space for wallys stuff, I only had the clothes on my back, which I have rinsed out in the sink two times.

it gets better.

to my dismay, part of walters shoe was missing. Just gone. The top part, the "ankle cuff," to which the shoe part attaches. Without this part, the shoe won't work. He can't walk. So I freaked. I searched everywhere, but it was just gone. Maybe it flew out the window. The rehab clinic ordered a new one, but it'll take a week to be made...so what do I do? I came all this way just so walter can walk on grass!!!!!!

First I wanted to cry and then I got mad. I said to myself, "Shut up Heather and JUST FIX IT!" So I got Walter settled and took a cab to Walmart. (That is a sentence I never thought I would write in my life btw...) I hunted down supplies. Big Velcro ties from the hunting department, chamois cloth from automotive, thin fishing line from the sporting section. Back at the hotel I built myself a MacGyver cuff! it works way better than the orgiinal, which slipped alot. I think because my velcro was thicker. Also, I lined it with chamois, so it doesn't rub his foot raw.

it doesn't look like much, but it took me an hour to make!

Actually, after I made the prototype, I had extra material so I made two more - for back up. I SHOULD have already had a duplicate - as it's so essential, but you know how that goes - sometimes you don't realize whats essential until it's gone.

Turns out the transmission pump blew and they had to order a part...so I'm now sure how much longer we'll be here in this tiny Georgia town, but you know what? We're having a really good time. There are PALM TREES here and a big GARDEN! I got to see my boy BOUND across the GRASS lawn on the grounds here, and sniff FLOWERS and poop right in the center of a carefully chosen GREEN PLANT. (his signature.) No ice to cut his feet, no snow, no wet soaking his shoe and causing infections between his toes. He's happy, so I'm happy. Plus we had grilled cheese sandwiches by the pool - so it's a certain sort of heaven.


"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
- Melodie Beattie

20 comments:

Tweedles -- that's me said...

You are on your incredible journey in every sence of the word.
I am so full of emotion about all that is going on with you-
all i can say is "we are with you, and we love you"
safe travels to you.
love
tweedles

THE PUGLET said...

oooooh no!/awwwwwww!

Glad things are getting better. Or at least warmer. And grilled cheese-ier.

Go McGuyver cuff!!!!

Sandy said...

I am so sorry for your troubles (and to hear you are weather cursed!) but so glad that Walter is doing so well. Good Luck!!

BRUTUS said...

Wow, guys - what a journey!! But I guess that' just your style, right? If nothing else it DOES give you a lot of writing material! Have a grilled cheese by the pool for us to (preferably Pepper Jack cheese if they have it BOL!) and enjoy that southern hospitality!!

Michelle & Brutus

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Sorry to hear that your car broke down, but maybe this is God's way of telling you to just relax and smell the roses along the way.

And, MacGuyver doesn't have anything on you - way to go on creating a new cuff for Wally's shoe!

Thinking we need some video of him romping through the grass!

Hope the rest of your trip is uneventful :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

The Devil Dog said...

You are certainly having quite a trip. It's true, necessity is the mother of invention. Nice job building Walter a new shoe. Hope you get to FL soon, but since Walter has grass where you are, it certainly is better than KY or TN or even NH.

Roxy

Smushie Ranch said...

Sorry to hear about your delays and mishaps, but as life has shown you, sometimes we need these hiccups to point us in the right direction.

I love how you pulled it together and made an even better shoe attachment for Walter. Good for you! Are you going to cancel the one from the doctor now?

Stella also loves to do her business in the middle of beautiful plants and flowers. I suppose I would too... lol!

Happy travels!
Shannon and the gang

dw said...

Oh my! You and Walter have been through a lot! I am familiar with southern Georgia, right before the Florida line (exit 18 off of 75 has a Starbucks!) because I drive to Florida once or twice a year. I hope you can get back on your way soon and I'm glad that you've been able to make a MacGyver fix for Walter! Your attitude is good -- when life gives you lemons (and truthfully you guys have been pelted with them!!), you're making lemonade!

Winston Wilbur said...

Hi Wally and Heather,

Well at first we all went UGH!!!!! then Mum said no wait, this is meant to be! Already something good has come out of it, Grilled cheese by the pool, Heather making the boot cuff. Would this have happened had they not broken down.... NO! It is a set back but Mum is certain something good will result. Mum is so into Karma and Cause and Effect. Mum says it isn't always about the destination, most times it is the journey along the way. The main thing is you are safe, both of you and that is all that matters. You know what Wally...... I think your Momma should write a books about this whole thing, your accident and life afterwards.

Pug Hugs Winston oh and Lise too

Anonymous said...

Oh no, that sucks I am so sorry!

But you get a little bit of rest before hitting florida, so you guys can start settling in right away right?

Look at you go! good thing wally has a few back ups now.

How has been on the car ride?

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

We flipped when we saw "losr shoe" we couldn't imagine you and Wally without the very important shoe. But you really made a good replacement with your supplies! We can't wait to see Walter sunning himslef beach side in FL.

agent99 said...

Great quote! Sorry to hear you are having so many challenges, but good for MsGuyver!! (Perhaps a new career in canine orthopedic products?) Good for you for being so creative, and sorry about having to actually step inside a Walmart (and admit it).
At least Georgia is a much closer to sunshine than Minneapolis!
Your almost there.....

Thinking of you
Gen & the Foo

Stubby said...

Hi Heather & Walter! Just when you think nothing more could happen, look what comes along. I think you are getting all your bad luck out of the way early in the year so for the rest of the year only good things for you.

Stay safe and keep truckin'!

Stubby xoxo

MJ said...

Yaaay Walter! You are almost there. And you already got to frolic in the grass....and you got grilled cheese. I am so jealous, dude. Cool that your Mom is so ingenious and could make you a new ankle cuff just like that. Make sure you let me know where to send you a house-warming present. Got a couple of thoughts of good pug stuff, and of course, you will need summer wear and doggles for all that sun, too, right? :)

Take care, buddy.

~Wilbur

Harry Pugalicious said...

What an adventure you're having. We are sure this will make a NYT Best selling book one day!

Welcome to the South - we hope things start to go more smoothly for you.

Kisses to Wally!

Kelly said...

Wally, sugar,
I KNOW you and your momma won't let these setbacks keep you from your final destination! And I am SO impressed with your resourcefulness, Heather! Who knew you were a doggie orthopedic boot maker?!

Stay to course! This is going to be the adventure of your lives and I am so proud of you for taking this leap of faith!!!

xoxo
Pearl & Momma

Archie and Melissa said...

oh walter and heather!
you are our heros!
your positive attitude shines through everything you two do!
i love the new shoe cuff. i bet the shoe company will be calling you for orders!

xoxoxo
m & e

Melissa said...

Oh no! RIP shoe.

Glad you were able to whip something up for him! New and improved!

Priscilla said...

The adventures of life eh? I love the McGuyver cuff. And I know how blessed you are to have this story to tell with your precious pup.

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

You guys aren't letting a few obstacles slow you down! Enjoy your mini-holiday in Georgia!
xo